In life, some moments stand out as divine interventions, where God’s hand is unmistakably at work. Mission trips are often such moments, where lives intersect with purpose, and hearts are transformed in ways beyond measure. Jilese’s recent journey to Oaxaca, Mexico, serves as a testament to this truth.
I had the privilege of interviewing Jilese about the recent mission trip she went on. She went as a facilitator in training and shared that she was nervous about how well she would be able to connect with the group and if she was even cut out to lead. As she reflected after the trip, it was obvious that she saw God at work in her and the team. Lives were changed and hearts were transformed.
A key moment for Jilese was when she was speaking with the youth group. At first she doubted if it was her place to pour into these children spiritually. Upon retrospect she saw this as a clear attack from the enemy to stoke fear into her and silence her. Despite moments of uncertainty, she listened to God’s voice and delivered the message she felt the Lord had for the teens. She continued to fight against the doubt as she boldly asked who would like to give their life to Christ and was overwhelmed when four of the teens responded! It was a reminder that God’s authority is greater than any uncertainty we may face.
“It came from a place of boldness and authority from God – a moment where He said this is what I’ve called you to do – be brave. And because I listened to that call, four people will be walking in the Kingdom of Heaven!!”
There was one boy that just stood out to Jilese: Alejandro. The boy whom God had placed on her heart. Jilese shared, “I spoke to him a bit after youth group and told him I would be praying for him and if he had any questions to let me know. That night I went back to the house, and I spent another 30 minutes or so praying for all of the hearts that were saved but still had a calling on my heart for that boy.”
In the quiet hours of the night, Jilese found herself stirred from sleep by a prompting from God. She felt Him calling her in that moment to step out in faith in some way. She navigated to the Forward Edge website, where the first child to show up on the screen was Alejandro. Without hesitation, she answered the call to sponsorship, a tangible act of faith and obedience.
“I hopped on the webpage and hit child sponsorships and the FIRST child to show up was Alejandro, the boy I’d been called to pray over. I didn’t even think twice about it – I automatically hit sponsor and I knew that was the right move!”
God taught Jilese during the trip to listen to His voice. “He is calling me with a burden for youth and this trip was confirmation of that.”
If you’ve ever wondered if a mission trip is for you, let Jilese’s story be an inspiration. For in those unexpected moments of stepping out in faith God’s presence is undeniable. And who knows? You might just find yourself forever changed by the power of His love. Jilese shared this encouragement to others,
“If you have ever needed to experience true humbling and true love, a Forward Edge mission trip is for you! God is so raw and SO real in those moments, there is absolutely no denying Him or the plans He has for His people!”
As Jilese looks back on her experience, she is filled with gratitude for how God showed up in unexpected ways. Through moments of laughter and joy with children like Joel (pictured below), she was reminded of the importance of simply being present and open to God’s leading.
Photography is more than just a way to document your mission trip—it’s a bridge to connection, a chance to honor the stories of those you encounter. As you step into communities, camera in hand, pause to reflect. Are you capturing moments with care and respect? Are your photos fostering dignity rather than reducing people to subjects?
In Matthew 13, Jesus is sitting in his friend’s home, after a long day of teaching parables to the crowds. His disciples ask him about the Kingdom of Heaven, and he shares another story with them, to help them understand: “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for
Choosing to sponsor a child is a big leap of faith. Once you have taken the first step of saying “yes” to sponsorship and helping vulnerable children, the next step can be joyful…and overwhelming! It can be difficult to know where to start that’s why we’ve put together a list
One of the most impactful things I learned as a teenager was that God will do extraordinary things through you whether you are 5 or 45, 15 or 52; He has no age restrictions and certainly does not follow the boundaries that we build up ourselves. Even now, at 21,
7 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2025
Irving lives with his mother and three siblings in an earthblock home built for them by Operation Enduring Homes, a ministry of Forward Edge. Irving’s mother is a housewife who sells fruit and vegetables to help support the family. His father is abroad working, so the family is without him: it is hard on the children. Irving and his family attend church at Trigo y Miel regularly. Irving’s oldest brother works at Colegio Siloé to help with the family expenses.
Irving's big sister, Anel, is also in the Trigo y Miel program.
